Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether. It is used as a thickener, water-retention aid, binder and film former in construction mortars, tile adhesives, pharmaceutical coatings and food formulations. It takes the form of white to off-white free-flowing powder. Recorded grades include food, pharmaceutical. Packaging formats include 25 kg bag, 500 kg big bag, bulk. The abbreviation HPMC refers to this hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. Food use as E 464 is subject to the applicable food-additive specification and permitted-use conditions. Pharmaceutical use requires the applicable pharmacopoeia grade.